INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Epidermis

The epidermis is composed of keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium.

Layers : stratum basale, stratum spisosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lusidum, stratum
corneum.
Stratum Basale

The stratum basale is a single layer of cells primarily made of basal cells. A basal cell is a
cuboidal-shaped stem cell that is a precursor of the keratinocytes of the epidermis.

The first is a Merkel cell, which functions as a receptor and is responsible for stimulating
sensory nerves that the brain perceives as touch.

The second is a melanocyte, a cell that produces the pigment melanin.

Stratum Spinosum

The stratum spinosum is spiny in appearance due to the protruding cell processes that join
the cells via a structure called a desmosome.

composed of eight to 10 layers of keratinocytes.

Interspersed among the keratinocytes of this layer is a type of dendritic cell called the
Langerhans cell, which functions as a macrophage by engulfing bacteria, foreign particles,
and damaged cells that occur in this layer.

The keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum begin the synthesis of keratin and release a
water-repelling glycolipid that helps prevent water loss from the body, making the skin
relatively waterproof.

Stratum Granulosum

The stratum granulosum has a grainy appearance due to further changes to the
keratinocytes as they are pushed from the stratum spinosum (figure 4).

The cells (three to five layers deep) become flatter, their cell membranes thicken, and they
generate large amounts of the proteins keratin, which is fibrous, and keratohyalin, which
accumulates as lamellar granules within the cells

Stratum Lusidum

The stratum lucidum is a smooth, seemingly translucent layer of the epidermis located just
above the stratum granulosum and below the stratum corneum. This thin layer of cells is
found only in the thick skin of the palms, soles, and digits. The keratinocytes that compose
the stratum lucidum are dead and flattened.

These cells are densely packed with eleiden, a clear protein rich in lipids, derived from
keratohyalin, which gives these cells their transparent (i.e., lucid) appearance and provides a
barrier to water.
Stratum Corneum

The stratum corneum is the most superficial layer of the epidermis and is the layer exposed
to the outside environment.

This dry, dead layer helps prevent the penetration of microbes and the dehydration of
underlying tissues, and provides a mechanical protection against abrasion for the more
delicate, underlying layers.

The entire layer is replaced during a period of about 4 weeks.

Dermis

The dermis might be considered the core of the integumentary system.

Contains: blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and
sweat glands.

The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that compose an interconnected mesh
of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.

1. Papillary Layer

The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar

connective tissue, which means the collagen and
elastin fibers of this layer form a loose mesh. This
superficial layer of the dermis projects into the stratum
basale of the epidermis to form finger-like dermal
papillae.

Within the papillary layer are fibroblasts, a small

number of fat cells (adipocytes), and an abundance of
small blood vessels. In addition, the papillary layer
contains phagocytes, defensive cells that help fight
bacteria or other infections that have breached the
skin. This layer also contains lymphatic capillaries,
nerve fibers, and touch receptors called the Meissner
corpuscles.

2. Reticular Layer
This layer is well vascularized and has a rich sensory
and sympathetic nerve supply. The reticular layer
appears reticulated (net-like) due to a tight meshwork
of fibers. Elastin fibers provide some elasticity to the
skin, enabling movement. Collagen fibers provide
structure and tensile strength, with strands of collagen
extending into both the papillary layer and the hypodermis. In addition, collagen
binds water to keep the skin hydrated. Collagen injections and Retin-A creams help
restore skin turgor by either introducing collagen externally or stimulating blood
flow and repair of the dermis, respectively.
Hypodermis

The hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is a layer directly
below the dermis and serves to connect the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of
the bones and muscles.

It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis
can be difficult to distinguish.

The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose
tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for
the integument.